Tudor celebrates their 50th anniversary by revisiting the timeless designs of their most iconic timepieces
Tudor, now universally recognised, began by creating chronographs in the 1970’s. Now, fifty years later, they revisit their humble origins through a timeline of iconic designs and innovative technology.
The first Tudor chronograph, named the Oysterdate, was launched in 1970. Having immediately become associated with mechanical sports watches, the Oysterdate was generously proportioned, and had an unusual dial design.
Three variations of these watches were created: Reference 7031, Reference 7032, and Reference 7033, each of which was distinguished by its bezel type. Reference 7031 featured a bezel topped by a Plexiglas disc whereas Reference 7032 had a satin-brushed steel bezel. Being the classic design of the Oysterdate, these watches were perfect for collectors looking for a timeless piece.
The watches' pentagonal hour marker had earned this model the name "Homeplate", which appealed to baseball fans the world over.
Reference 7033, the third variation for this model, had never gone beyond its prototype stage.
Following the success of the Series 7000, Tudor released the Series 7100 in 1971. These models were featured on the brand’s catalogue up until 1977 and were designed with a roulette wheel-style dial, earning them the nickname “Monte Carlo”.
Tudor’s signature blue was also introduced as these chronographs were released. A new colour combination was incorporated onto the design — these watches, which replaced the Series 7000, now had a blue and grey dial and two types of matching blue bezel. Because of its shard colour combination, the watch makes the perfect accessory to those looking for a pop of colour.
In 1976, Tudor released Series 9400, the first chronographs that came equipped with self-winding movements. The watch itself was made thicker to accommodate its new rotor, earning these new models the nickname of “Big Block” in collectors’ circles. This name endured all the way through 1989, when the Series 79100 was released with only minimal modifications from the Series 9400.
Like previous generations, the Series 9400 and the Series 79100 consisted of three models, distinguished by bezel type.
This watch is most suitable for those who prefer bulkier time pieces. Its size, rather than being a deterrent to its aesthetic, becomes the main focus point of the entire piece. Its larger design catches the eye quicker and its new rotor adds even more efficiency to its chronography.
In the mid-1990’s, Tudor introduced the 79200 Series, updating the aesthetics of previous Oysterdate watches. The case, for one, was designed to be rounded and refined, a contrast to the previous styles which were sharper and more imposing. Although its silhouette remained essentially similar to previous generations, the lines were now composed of softer, more rounded curves.
Perfect for those looking for something sleek, this watch had incorporated the sapphire crystal configuration and was followed up with a gold, steel, and leather strap variant.
Read Also: Turn Back Time: Tudor Celebrates Iconic "Snowflake" Design's 50th Year
Exactly 10 years ago, Tudor celebrated its 40th anniversary with the Heritage Chrono, a watch that took a modern approach to the 1970 Reference 7033 prototype. It featured a bevelled, polished angle of the horns, a polished shoulder for the winding crown, and knurling on the rotating bezel and pushers.
Two different dials were offered in the 2010 Heritage Chrono: grey with black sub-counters and black with grey sub-counters. The watch (which featured the trademark “homeplate” hour markers in the 1970’s) brought back the same design in 2010, this time affixed onto the watch face instead of painted to add depth on the dial display. For this model, Tudor offered a black, grey, or orange Jacquard strap as well as a steel bracelet.
In 2013, Tudor launched a blue-accented Heritage Chrono. This new model featured a dial inspired by the “Monte Carlo” design.
Along with the updated Heritage Chrono Blue, Tudor also released the Fastrider Black Shield in 2013. This watch was a sporty matte black chronograph that broke away from traditional Tudor designs. Its production was the result of high-level technical expertise, with a high-tech ceramic case that reflected both technological prowess and performance.
Originally colour black with either red or bronze hour markers, the Fastrider was also made available in a striking high-contrast format: black with white hour markers. The watch also featured a calendar function and matte black leather strap with white topstitching.
Read Also: 12 Luxury Watches With Date Functions
In 2017, Tudor launched the award-winning Black Bay Chrono, which earned the title for best watch under 8,000 Swiss francs at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. A quintessential diver’s watch, the Black Bay Chrono boldly combined the aquatic heritage of the Black Bay family while incorporating the timekeeping function Tudor is most famous for.
With a 70-hour power reserve and silicon balance spring, the Black Bay Chrono boasted a high-performance Manufacture calibre chronograph MT5813, perfect for athletes in the water and on the shore.
Read Also: TUDOR Presents Black Bay Chrono Dark As The Official Timepiece Of Rugby World Cup 2019
